Lump growing under skin after being bitten

[RockyRocko]

Woody is my 10 month old male that I have raised from the bottle. I released him in my back yard, he has continued to return to his inside nest and all was going great until about 3 weeks ago when he came inside, I could tell he was hurt. His back was tender and I could tell he was sore. He could barely grip my shoulder. I kept him in for 3 days and he seemed to be getting better. I finally got a look at a spot where his fur was stuck together. Looked to me like another squirrel bite him, not an entry wound, but looked like a hard pinch. I did not see blood.
I ended up having to be in the hospital and he was outside for a week on his own, food still provided and a nest.... When I got home and he came down to see me, I noticed a big lump on his back side where he got bit.

It is hard and about and inch diameter. Looks like it is getting bigger now tonight and I'm not sure if he was just really tired, because he didn't come inside until 7ish, or if he's not feeling well??

Does anyone know what this could be?? I will take a picture tomorrow and post it. I'm in an illegal state?? What can I do???

[Ruz]

Sounds like an abscess. If so, it needs to be drained and treated with antibiotics. It's important that contact is followed by thorough hand washing. Abscesses can break inward or outward; outward is better but further infections can occur either way, and a vet is highly recommended for such treatment. An inward break would spread infection inside the squirrel's body which could be fatal. Please do not delay in getting this looked at.

I was only a receptionist in an animal hospital years ago, but animal bites often resulted in abscesses, including in my cat who apparently found other cats to challenge.

[Ruz]

It's very concerning that he's not feeling well. Is there a wildlife rescue group you can call (after blocking your number)?

I've had to treat my cat's abscess when I couldn't afford a vet. It involved warm compresses on the abcess and when it broke outward, squeezing the pus out as much as possible; then Nolvasan flush was liberally applied to the area. Water is best first, in order to wash away the pus, and then the Nolvasan. This has to be done two to three times a day; it usually takes at least a week. Keeping the wound open as long as possible is preferred, in order to prevent re-abscessing. The goal is to allow the inside heal first. Praise be to God for taking care of my cat! I've sent a prayer up for you and Woody.

[Anne]

A picture of the swelling will do wonders for us being able to help you with RockyRocko. Until we can access for ourselves, guess work would be all we could offer. Then we can go from there and get you the help that is needed:D Good Luck-

[RockyRocko]

There are two threads going about this and pics on the other one, will post again here.

[Giftee's Mom]

Hi RR,

You've already received some good advice here. I just wanted to add that there are times the infection is so deep, the abscess will not drain on its own and must be relieved manually with incisional drainage by a vet. They will flush the wound out really well and put the little guy on antibiotics, I would think.

What a cute little foxy boy you have there! I have three foxies myself, two boys and a sweet, sweet angel of a little girl. Your Woody has beautiful coloring. Good luck! :)

[Mrs Skul]

:wave123 Hi Rocky Rocko how is Woody doing? I hope the abscess is healing OK. Your in my Prayers. :grouphug Christal

[lilbitsquirrely]

:hurt Just wondering how the little guy is doing and if you had any news about the abscess.I sure hope this all turns out alright,for both of you.:grouphug

[RockyRocko]

Hi, Woody is doing great!! Two days with nothing coming out of the abcess!
Still on antibiotics and he does not like to take them anymore?? But we get it done!! Sometimes takes a second try to get it in his mouth!!

I am learning how to handle them and be in control. Until now, I've never had to restrain either of my squirrels and I just didn't know how to do it.

It's been a little crazy with both sq's needing help all at once.

Thanks to all of you for your help, I am trying to respond and do the best I can with all that's going on.

[SquirrelLove]

What a BEAUTIFUL squirrel! Just love the pictures! Can you take MORE pictures? I just love to see everyone's squirrels, yes I am a NUT for sure lol!
Joanne in Jax